To keep things fair, I'm going to be giving up my iPhone 5. It won't even be in my possession — I'll leave it locked away at work where I won't be able to touch it or play with it. I'm even going to forward my Verizon phone number to AT&T for 10 days. I'm going all in.

To say I'm invested in the iOS ecosystem would be an understatement. Since 2008, I've downloaded or purchased 945 apps. More than that, I'm a Mac user. My calendars, contacts, iMessage lists and browser bookmarks are all part of the Apple ecosystem. Moving to another platform is a big step.

I'll be chronicling the entire process here on Mashable with video and text entries each day.

Why?

So why am I doing this? For science, of course! In truth, I want to give Windows Phone 8 and its flagship device, the Lumia 920, a real test from the perspective of someone who is a power user on another platform.

Usually, when I review a phone, I still have my main daily driver in my pocket. As a result, it's harder for me to get a consistent feel for the day-to-day aspects of the OS, the app ecosystem and the various pleasures and pratfalls of using the phone.

I often write about must-have apps — but when push comes to shove, what apps really matter the most? Can I live without Instagram? Are there apps that will let me access my drafts in Dropbox? Will I be able to access my passwords and authenticate my two-auth logins? Is there an easier way to manage four distinct mail accounts?

In short, I want to do exactly what Nokia is encouraging users to do — I want to "Switch to Lumia" and give a long, fair look at how it fits with my life.

Stay Tuned

Stay tuned to Mashable and my Twitter account (@film_girl) to follow my process. In the meantime, let me know what you'd like me to test on the Lumia 920 and what questions you have about Windows Phone 8.

If you're a longtime Windows Phone 8 user, what apps should I download first to aid in my transition? Sound off in the comments!

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is a leading source for news, information and resources for the Connected Generation. Mashable reports on the importance of digital innovation and how it empowers and inspires people around the world. Mashable's record 42 million unique visitors worldwide and 21 million social media followers are one of the most influential and engaged online communities. Founded in 2005, Mashable is headquartered in New York City with an office in San Francisco.